Iran’s Exiled Crown Prince Urges UK to Support US Military Action

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran and a prominent opposition figure, has called on the United Kingdom to support potential military action by the United States aimed at halting violence against protestors in Iran. His plea comes amid reports that UK Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer is blocking the use of British military bases for any US strikes against Iran.

In an interview with Metro, Pahlavi emphasized that the Iranian populace desires military intervention as the US builds up a significant naval and air presence in the Middle East. He criticized Starmer’s reported refusal to allow American aircraft to operate from UK bases, specifically Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which could be pivotal for any military action.

“The people of Iran want the US to militarily act. This humanitarian intervention would save lives. I urge the UK government to support the US action,” Pahlavi stated. He highlighted that the Iranian regime has reportedly killed as many as 40,000 protestors during recent unrest, indicating that the violence has not ceased and protests are expanding.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has documented over 6,000 deaths linked to the protests, with an additional 17,000 deaths currently under investigation. The situation has escalated as tensions between the US and Iran have worsened, particularly in light of stalled nuclear negotiations.

Former US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration over the UK’s refusal to permit US aircraft to launch from British bases, as indicated by a report in The Times. In the same report, Starmer is quoted as opposing military support that could escalate tensions with Iran.

Pahlavi, who now resides in the US after fleeing Iran during the 1979 revolution, has been an outspoken advocate for the Iranian opposition, rallying support from thousands who chant his name and display his father’s flag during demonstrations. He has long urged US leadership to fulfill promises of support, particularly as military assets accumulate in the region.

The political landscape in the UK has seen support for Pahlavi’s call to action, with Conservative Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge backing the notion that the UK should allow US access to military bases if American intervention is deemed necessary. “Iran’s nuclear programme poses a grave threat to Britain and our allies,” Cartlidge stated, underscoring the importance of protecting national security.

Activists in the UK have also rallied behind Pahlavi’s stance. Ellie Borhan, founder of the Stage of Freedom activist group, remarked, “The Islamic Republic is not only a threat to the Iranian people but also to regional stability and the safety of the UK.” She called for democratic nations to support the Iranian people’s quest for freedom.

Trump has mentioned the potential role of UK bases in addressing the Iranian threat, specifically referencing Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in a recent Truth Social post. He suggested that military action might be necessary to counter a “highly unstable and dangerous regime.”

Amid these discussions, Pahlavi has urged the British government to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and to seize the assets of regime elites who are allegedly moving wealth to London. Despite the European Union listing the IRGC as a terrorist group, Starmer has not yet taken similar action in the UK.

The UK government has consistently emphasized its commitment to sanctions against the IRGC, which have included asset freezes and travel bans on over 500 Iranian individuals and entities connected to the regime. A government spokesperson reiterated, “There is a political process ongoing between the US and Iran, which the UK supports. Iran must never be able to develop a nuclear weapon, and our priority is security in the region.”

As diplomatic efforts continue, the need for a solution to the ongoing violence in Iran remains urgent, with Pahlavi’s calls for international support echoing the sentiments of many Iranians seeking change.